As a new writer, I decided to take the final 72 hours of a deadline, edit a piece I had been working on, fill out an extensive application, and hit submit to a fellowship I’d heard about during a memoir class. If you’re reading this and thinking there’s no way she got in; she’s a horrible writer, you may be right. It’s possible the reason I received a pass on my submission is because of exactly that. But what if it’s not?
My response to the news was nothing short of pure delight, followed by a reply email in gratitude for their consideration, wishes of luck to those who were chosen along with a promise to continue supporting the organization with intention on applying again next year. My gratitude continued as I emailed the two people who took the time to write letters of reference for me. It is important for me to show gratitude, even in moments when the results aren’t in favor of my work.
As humans being, we are all in this Fellowship we call Life. My work was read by people I do not know. They are, indeed, Fellows. Regardless of the outcome, the focused intent of the application process and its completion was a huge deal for me. My limited experience in this new world astounds me as I learn more about myself with each keystroke. So why treat myself unkindly just because this was not the right fit? Instead, I celebrated by treating myself to a bowl of double vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles.
Since this is my first blog ever, I am using it as a tool to reflect back on when I am further along in my craft. I’ve written some (what I consider) profound stuff and am nowhere near stopping. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s that we’re all in this together and we never know what, where, when, why or how things are going to unfold on the road ahead. As a marathon runner, you trek along, clicking the miles. As a writer, you trek along clicking the keyboard.
Today’s event inspired me to post a few stories I’ve written. They’re as polished as I need them to be for now. Some were written a year or two ago, some are newer. I just want to take my work out for a spin and see if anyone finds it compelling enough to read. My purpose as a writer is to share the stories of my life that are worth sharing and if someone finds comfort, joy or awakening from them, that would be cool too. Thanks for hanging out with me in the Fellowship of Humankind. See you down the road.
sherapy101 